King James Version

What Does Mark 10:13 Mean?

Mark 10:13 in the King James Version says “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.”

Mark 10:13 · KJV

Context

11

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

13

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
People 'brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them' (προσέφερον αὐτῷ παιδία ἵνα αὐτῶν ἅψηται· οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ ἐπετίμων τοῖς προσφέρουσιν). Parents sought Jesus' blessing on children—common practice with respected rabbis. The disciples rebuked them, likely viewing children as unworthy of Jesus' time or as interruptions to 'important' ministry. This reveals misplaced priorities—valuing 'significant' people and activities over humble service. Jesus' response (v. 14-16) corrects this, modeling God's heart for children and the seemingly insignificant. The disciples' error warns against elitism in ministry—dismissing those deemed unimportant while pursuing impressive results. True greatness serves the lowly (Mark 9:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Greco-Roman culture generally devalued children—they had no legal rights, couldn't contribute economically, and high infant mortality made emotional distance common. Rabbinic Judaism valued children as future Torah students but prioritized adults' instruction. The disciples' rebuke reflects cultural values—why waste Jesus' time on children when crowds pressed for teaching and healing? Jesus radically countered cultural norms, consistently welcoming children (Mark 9:36-37), using them as spiritual models (Mark 10:14-15), and warning against harming them (Mark 9:42). Early church developed robust theology of children's value, opposing infanticide and abandonment common in Greco-Roman world. This became Christian cultural contribution—recognizing children's intrinsic worth as image-bearers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the disciples' rebuke of those bringing children reveal our tendency to prioritize 'important' ministry over serving the humble?
  2. What does parents' desire for Jesus to bless their children teach about recognizing spiritual needs beyond merely physical or educational?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσφέρουσιν2 of 13

“they brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῶν·3 of 13

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παιδία4 of 13

“young children”

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

ἵνα5 of 13

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἅψηται6 of 13

“he should touch”

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

αὐτῶν·7 of 13

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ9 of 13

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

μαθηταὶ10 of 13

“his disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐπετίμων11 of 13

“rebuked”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

τοῖς12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσφέρουσιν13 of 13

“they brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:13-15Luke 18:15-17

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